Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has expressed strong disapproval of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to name a special operations unit of the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the Heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). This announcement, made on May 29, has sparked a significant backlash from Polish officials.
Nawrocki indicated that he would seek to revoke Zelensky’s Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest civilian honor, citing this naming decision as a reason. He plans to raise this issue during the upcoming meeting of the Order’s chapter on June 8.
The Order of the White Eagle is awarded for exceptional civil and military service to Poland, and Zelensky received this honor from former President Andrzej Duda in 2023. Nawrocki’s comments reflect a broader concern about Ukraine’s historical narratives, suggesting that Zelensky’s actions demonstrate a troubling mindset regarding the UPA.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also criticized Zelensky’s decision. Spokesperson Maciej Wewiór stated that the ministry views the naming as detrimental to the memory of UPA victims and harmful to Polish-Ukrainian relations. He warned that such actions could be exploited by Russian propaganda to sow discord between the two nations.
On May 26, Zelensky signed a decree honoring the Separate Special Operations Center “North” of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with the title of “Heroes of the UPA,” aimed at reviving historical military traditions in Ukraine.
The UPA, active from 1942 to 1956, was a military-political formation that sought to establish an independent Ukrainian state. It was known for its guerrilla tactics and operated against both Nazi Germany and Soviet forces. The organization has been a contentious topic in Poland due to its historical actions against Polish civilians during World War II.
Recent surveys indicate that perceptions of the UPA in Ukraine are complex, with many viewing its members as freedom fighters. Since 2015, UPA soldiers have been recognized as participants in Ukraine’s struggle for independence, and a 2018 law granted them combatant status.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has condemned Ukraine's decision to name a military unit after UPA heroes, prompting discussions about historical narratives and bilateral relations. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential negative impact on Polish-Ukrainian dialogue.